Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic sauce is bursting with savory, creamy goodness. It’s made with simple pantry staples and comes together in just minutes. Whether you drizzle it on top of your pizza, serve it as a dipping sauce, or use it as a white sauce base, it adds a gourmet flair to your homemade pizza night. Plus, it’s easy to customize with herbs, spices, or cheese variations.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic, minced
- All-purpose flour
- Milk (or heavy cream for a richer version)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Cook the Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 1 cup (enough for 1 large pizza or for dipping 2–3 people)
- Total Time: 15 minutes (5 min prep, 10 min cook)
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Sauce: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Herbed Version: Mix in oregano, basil, or thyme for an herby twist.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and nutritional yeast.
- Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Lemon Twist: Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Storage/Reheating
- To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute if needed.
Can I use this sauce for pasta?
Absolutely. It works beautifully as a creamy pasta sauce.
What milk is best for this sauce?
Whole milk or heavy cream provides the best texture and flavor.
How can I make it thicker?
Let it simmer longer or use slightly less milk to thicken the sauce.
What cheeses can I substitute for Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, but the texture might change. Thaw and whisk while reheating.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Not as written, but substitute the flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, easily scale up to make a bigger batch.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, though it will have a slightly different flavor and texture.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Yes, though freshly grated melts more smoothly.
Conclusion
This garlic sauce is a creamy, savory game-changer that brings bold flavor to your pizza night. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or spreading it as a base, it’s versatile, quick to make, and easily customized to suit your taste. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch ready for every pizza occasion.
Garlic Sauce for Pizza
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (enough for 1 large pizza or for dipping 2-3 people)
- Category: Sauce, Pizza Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Garlic Sauce for Pizza is rich, buttery, and full of savory goodness, perfect for drizzling over your pizza, using as a dipping sauce, or even as a white sauce base. Easy to make with pantry staples in just 15 minutes, this garlic sauce adds a gourmet touch to your homemade pizza nights and can be customized with herbs, spices, or cheese variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer version)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- For an herby twist, mix in oregano, basil, or thyme.
- To make it vegan, use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and nutritional yeast.
- Add mozzarella or cream cheese for an extra cheesy sauce.
